THE twin villages of Stottesdon and Chorley are opening their gardens for charity next week.

Twelve gardens in the area are welcoming visitors to the grounds for two days on the weekend of Saturday, July 2, in aid of the National Garden Scheme (NGS).

Visitors can purchase plants and local produce throughout the event, which will be open between 11am and 5pm on both Saturday and Sunday, while refreshments will also be available.

Chris Madeley, from Stottesdon and Chorley Village Gardens, said: "There is something for everyone – from spacious country gardens, smaller ones with interesting features, rare and unusual plants and back garden smallholdings."

A garden developed for wheelchair users is one of three new areas to be launched this year.

Also on offer is the annual filled-pot competition where visitors will be able to judge the use of unusual containers in the ‘Not-A-Pot- contest.

Entry to the gardens costs £5 for adults with children under 16 free.

Visitors are asked to use the satnav postcode DY14 8TZ if travelling by car.

For further information visit ngs.org.uk.